TANKAI METHOD

Context: In a remarkable initiative to revive and preserve the 2000-year-old technique of shipbuilding known as the ‘stitched shipbuilding method (Tankai method)’, the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Key Points

• The stitched ship holds significant cultural value in India, given its historical importance and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship.
• Throughout history, India has had a strong maritime tradition, and the use of stitched ships played a vital role in trade, cultural exchange, and exploration.
• These ships, constructed by stitching wooden planks together rather than using nails, offered flexibility and durability, making them less susceptible to damage from shoals and sandbars.
• Although the arrival of European ships led to a shift in shipbuilding techniques, the art of stitching ships has survived in a few coastal regions of India, primarily for small local fishing boats.
• The project aims to leverage the expertise of the remaining traditional shipwrights in India and showcase their exceptional craftsmanship.
• It aims to revive the maritime memory and instill a sense of pride in India's rich maritime heritage among its citizens.
• Additionally, it aims to promote cultural memories among the Indian Ocean littoral countries